If you are a true sailing enthusiast and want to explore the beautiful Croatian coast and islands, it is almost impossible not to hear about Kornati. The Kornati archipelago was named a "nautical paradise" because it includes 89 islands and islets. Most of these islands are uninhabited, which is an added bonus for those who want to enjoy the pristine seaside during their vacation. It's a true oasis of pristine natural beauty.

That is reflected by the fact that most of the islands and islets in the Kornati archipelago are part of the Kornati National Park. Kornati have become a must-see destination for families with kids, beginner sailors, and also for experienced sailors.

Whether sailing represents a sport or recreation for you, you will definitely find a piece of paradise for yourself in the Kornati Archipelago! But, as you well know, you cannot sail on an empty stomach! That's why we prepared a brief guide of excellent restaurants in the Kornati area.

Discover where they are located, what their story is, and which delicious food you can eat there.

A brief guide of excellent restaurants in the Kornati area

1. Fešta

There is beautiful restaurant Fešta in the bay of Golubovac on the island of Žut. On one side it is surrounded by the breath-taking Kornati landscape, Dalmatian karst and centuries-old olive trees and by the crystal clear sea on the other side. There are berths for 30 boats along the coast, which are all free for restaurant clients.

The restaurant is decorated in the Dalmatian style, with many old tools and accessories that were used by people in Dalmatia many years ago. In the form of old Dalmatian taverns, the walls of the restaurant are full of historical objects, old photographs and other souvenirs. Apart from the fact that restaurant decoration completely retells the story of old Dalmatia, there are also many traditional dishes on offer, which will present flavours and retell stories of ancient times. Everyday co-operation with local fishers is key for the freshness of the food offered by the restaurant, and every meal at this restaurant combines culinary trends and traditions. Preparing food here, on the island of Žut, is a big challenge for restaurant's staff, because they have to produce electricity and purify water by themselves. Nevertheless, the menu includes homemade bread, pasta and many other delicious dishes. They also make their own olive oil, which you can try with exquisite fish specialties and also buy as a souvenir.

Reservations for this beautiful restaurant can be made by phone at +385 22 786 0410 or via their website at www.zut.hr.

2. Mare

The charming family restaurant Mare is located where the Telašćica Nature Park meets the Kornati National Park. On the island of Katina, in the Vela Proversa cove, visitors have been enjoying traditional seafood for over 40 years. Once it was only a shelter and a safe berth for local fishermen, but then developed into a whole new hospitality story as they started preparing and serving homemade sardines, casseroles and wines.

Today, the family restaurant Mare offers the most exquisite seafood delicacies prepared in a traditional style. During summer months, you can enjoy fresh fish, shellfish and crabs, which are caught on a daily basis by local fishermen in the Kornati Archipelago. Dishes offered in the restaurant depend on fishermen's daily catch, which guarantees the freshness of all the food served in Mare. That means that, except for the daily menu, you can have a look and see which fish is the catch of the day, and later choose it as your dish. A pleasant atmosphere on the terrace of this restaurant, delicious Mediterranean food, and friendly staff, are ideal if you want to take a break during sailing.

You can book your table at the restaurant at 098/273-873 and 098/332-697.

3. Core

Even though it is the largest island on the Kornati archipelago and part of the Kornati National Park, the island of Kornat is uninhabited. On this island, in the bay of Vrulje, lies a stunningly designed restaurant and lounge bar Core. After a complete renovation and modern space arrangement in 2015, it reopened its doors to all sailors.

A perfect blend of traditional and modern, not only in the ambience, but also in delicious food. Apart from the beautiful restaurant terrace with a romantic atmosphere, you can relax on baldachin beds and lounge chairs in the lounge area with homemade wine, cocktails or sparkling wine. The restaurant and lounge bar Core invites you to enjoy a relaxing break during sailing. If you decide to have lunch or dinner in this restaurant, you should also try their homemade wine. Dishes like fish and seafood in this restaurant are top quality, and with all that in one package, your culinary experience would be remarkable. These dishes are prepared to combine Dalmatian tradition or sea specialties with innovative ingredients and culinary methods. After your first taste, you will fall in love with modern Mediterranean cuisine and it will make you want to return as often as possible.

You can book your table at www.core-kornati.com or call +385 91 200 40 45.

4. Opat

In the south-eastern part of the island of Kornat, in a quiet cove Opat, lies a restaurant with the same name. Once, there was only a small old farmhouse with a few sheep and olive tree, but has been converted into a restaurant, which has been serving exquisite specialties of Mediterranean cuisine for the past 19 years. If you enter the bay during high season, you will immediately notice anchored yachts of all sizes, reflecting the popularity of this place.

The ground floor of the restaurant includes a bar, with terraces with larger and smaller tables above it. On the top, there is the already mentioned kitchen. The kitchen of the Opat Restaurant is an open-type, so that every guest can watch how their dinner is being prepared, and each dish is made out of freshly prepared foods from the surrounding area. We recommend fish dishes and seafood to truly experience this place. The cosy, peaceful and romantic atmosphere of this restaurant, with plates of fresh fish and homemade spices, as well as a rich wine list, will make you remember that you want to return here every year. 

You can book a table by phone at +385 91 224 7878.

5. Žakan

The Žakan restaurant is placed in the southern part of the Kornati Archipelago, on the island of Ravni Žakan. Unlike other restaurants, Žakan offers a different, modern ambience and access. A quiet bay with a beautiful restaurant and an adjacent playground is a favourite destination for lovers of modern cuisine – an ideal place for a romantic dinner or socialising with friends and business partners, while enjoying pure gastronomic delights. The food is traditionally made with fresh homemade ingredients, and a special touch of modern gastronomy is added to each dish to please even the most discerning palates of food lovers. A special sense of detail is reflected on the plate, as well as in every corner of the restaurant. If you've never been to Žakan and you are there for the first time, we suggest you try the chef's tasting menu, which comes in courses, along with a selection of top-quality wines. To have the gastronomic experience that you remember, call and book a table at +385 91 7260 579 or by e-mail at niksa@marina-hramina.hr.

No matter which restaurant you choose, you will not be sorry or hungry.

Apart from being a paradise for boaters, the Kornati Archipelago is a real paradise for gourmet lovers. The excellence of local food is even more surprising, considering there is no electricity and water on the islands of the Kornati Archipelago. Restaurants and other facilities have aggregates, solar panels and water tanks, yet still create excellent gastronomic experiences.

If you're already salivating over some of these dishes and have already directed your sails towards one of these restaurants, we should warn you that these restaurants are seasonal. So if you are sailing before or after the main season, make sure that the restaurant is open. Also, if you intend to anchor in the national park area, you will need to buy a ticket for the Kornati National Park.